Balconies: Precious Rooms in the Sky
Even a Small Outdoor Perch Gives City Dwellers a Needed Dose of Nature
A lifelong city dweller, I have always been obsessed with terraces and balconies. It's no secret that in sought-after, costly cities, private outdoor space comes with a steep price — one that most people are not capable of paying — so we mere mortals make great use of public parks, pretending they're our backyards, and refer to fire escapes as terraces, which is downright pitiful! I learned early on that if I wanted to remain sane, I had to live near a park at all times. I've mostly been successful, but I still yearned for my own little patch of concrete on which to plop a flower pot and a chair. It didn't have to be big for me to enjoy it; I had a tiny apartment for a year in college with a triangular terrace the size of my thumb, but you better believe my roommates, neighbors and I were out on that pointy little thing almost every day. Even through the winter. In Michigan. Now that's dedication!
I've always felt that it's somewhat easy to make a huge patio or terrace look amazing, so I love to see how people creatively outfit their small terraces and balconies. You don't need much more than thoughtful planning to make a small space gorgeous.
I've always felt that it's somewhat easy to make a huge patio or terrace look amazing, so I love to see how people creatively outfit their small terraces and balconies. You don't need much more than thoughtful planning to make a small space gorgeous.
An indoor/outdoor rug, woven chair, hearty drapes, accessories and lively vines make this narrow covered balcony a cozy sanctuary.
No need to clutter up this knockout view. The beachy simplicity of this balcony keeps the focus on what's important. And the lightweight, but comfortable, folding chairs can be brought inside for storage when needed.
Let your surroundings inspire you. This tranquil arrangement pulls from the colors in the landscape to create a seamless transition from public to private spaces.
What did I tell you? Plopping a bistro table and a plant on the balcony is all you need to create a romantic alfresco oasis.
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by Amy Lau Design
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| Amy Lau never fails. The horizontal lines of the table and chairs make this terrace feel positively nautical. The palette of warm woods and simple planters provide a neutral, minimalist backdrop for gazing at the sky above. |
by Celia James
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High walls provide privacy for this small urban terrace, but run the risk of appearing a bit institutional. Plants soften the space, enveloping the bistro table in a dose of nature that would not otherwise be present.
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| If you have a view below that you don't want to obstruct, consider using glass partitions to create a floating box of luxury. |
I would hate the owners of this magnificent terrace if I didn't want to be their friend so badly. The area was almost treated as a yard, making use of levels and different materials, as well as using vertical elements to give the large space shape.
While balconies and terraces are wonderful for the people who actually get to use them, they also elevate the appearance of building exteriors, making neighborhoods come to life and giving views something to look up to.
by pulltab design
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Outdoor furniture, with cushions that often require protection from the elements, can be a challenge for small home or apartment dwellers. Built-in furniture is a perfect solution, saving space while maximizing comfort.
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by P.S. Designs
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| The right choices have turned this tiny balcony into a beachy urban garden. All the foliage and striped furnishings obscures the fact that it's overlooking a parking lot. |
Like I said, it doesn't have to be huge to be luxurious and comfortable. Drop a chaise onto a narrow balcony and watch the bustling city beneath you while you lounge in your retreat in the sky. There's even room for guests!
More:
10 Ways to Bedeck Your Deck
3 Fuss-Free Ways to Garden
Charm up Your House With Windowboxes
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Browse outdoor products
More:
10 Ways to Bedeck Your Deck
3 Fuss-Free Ways to Garden
Charm up Your House With Windowboxes
Unexpected Edible Gardens
Browse outdoor products
Comments
Danielle Excellent ideabook! It's so amazing what you can do with a small balcony!
2 years ago · Like
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ambiadecorator Love this ideabook. As a city dweller myself i dream of a private outdoor space - (shared balcony - that we cant keep anything on). Its nice that it gives ideas that can be done in a small space, but also that would work for renters or owners alike.
2 years ago · Like
Jennifer Barry This is a quick shot of our balcony in downtown Lyon. We're three minutes walking to Parc de la Tete d'Or, the biggest city park in France, but I couldn't live without a table and chairs to sit at with a glass of wine or to have friends for brunch or dinner. This pic was taken before our Cinco de Mayo dinner party this year - a total treat! 
2 years ago · Like
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Ideabook updated on May 11, 2011.
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